Imam Khamenei Visits Quake-Hit Kermanshah

Leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran, Imam Sayyed Ali Khamenei visited Iran’s western province of Kermanshah which was hit by a deadly earthquake more than a week ago.

The Leader arrived early Monday in Sarpol-e-Zahab which is the hardest hit town, where he met some of the affected families.

“I feel the same pain that each of you have in your hearts. I would have liked to be among you at a better time,” Ayatollah Khamenei said.

“I was also among you during the imposed war. You showed your mettle and endurance in the imposed war. Show it also today. The brave and heroic people stand and defeat the mishap,” the Leader added, referring to the Iranian, Iraqi war.

“See how Iran considers itself indebted to Kermanshah. Everyone helped as much as their means would allow them,” the Leader said.

As many as 436 people were killed after a 7.3-magnitude earthquake hit the Kermanshah province on November 11.

Aftershocks continue to rattle the affected areas, with 647 tremors recorded until Sunday noon following the initial earthquake, as medics and rescue teams race to treat the injured and help retrieve bodies from under toppled buildings.